Welcome House History
In 1972 the Steudel family had a vision — to build a group home for their son Bill and his friends. That dream has been nurtured for 40 years by the dedicated and caring staff of Welcome House. Today Welcome House has a staff of over 400 dedicated caregivers who provide services to more than 200 individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities living in group homes or supported living sites in Cuyahoga County, as well as to many others living in family homes.
The West Haven Foundation was established by the Steudel family in 1972, opening its first group home in Westlake in 1981. Since that first group home, Welcome House has developed a variety of residential and community based programs and services dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. In 1994 Welcome House, Inc. was created to provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities while West Haven focused its mission on raising funds to ensure the longevity of the organization.
We believe the Steudels would be proud of the legacy they left. Bill Steudel lived at Welcome House from the time the first group home opened in 1981 until his death in 2011. He lived with his friends, with the music he loved, and among people who gave him the respect he deserved. Welcome House continues to develop new solutions for families like the Steudels — families who want their loved ones to live independent and rewarding lives.
As Welcome House looks to the future, we do so with the Steudels’ vision guiding us.
